Torque sensor attachment structure

ABSTRACT

A torque sensor includes a first structure, a second structure, a third structure provided between the first structure and the second structure, and at least two sensor units provided between the first structure and the second structure. A plurality of first contact portions having a structure integrated with the first structure is provided inside an outer peripheral portion of the first structure, first distal ends are arranged near the outer peripheral portion, and the first distal ends are in contact with a first attachment portion. A plurality of second contact portions having a structure integrated with the second structure is provided at a part of an inner peripheral portion of the second structure, second distal ends are arranged near the inner peripheral portion, and the second distal ends are in contact with a second attachment portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/JP2019/027214, filed on Jul. 9, 2019, which claims priority to and the benefit of Japanese Patent Applications No. 2018-133255, filed on Jul. 13, 2018, and No. 2019-124454, filed on Jul. 3, 2019. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a torque sensor applied to, for example, robot sensor and the like, and also relate to a torque sensor attachment structure.

BACKGROUND

A torque sensor includes a first structure to which torque is applied, a second structure from which torque is output, and a plurality of strain parts serving as beams connecting the first structure and the second structure, and a plurality of strain gauges serving as sensor elements are arranged on the strain parts. A bridge circuit is constituted by these strain gauges (cf., for example, Patent Literature 1 (JP 2013-096735 A), Patent Literature 2 (JP 2015-049209 A) and Patent Literature 3 (JP 2017-172983 A)).

In a torque amount converter which measures a torque generated in an output unit of an engine, etc., of an automobile, a technique for reducing an influence of a bending stress other than torque has been developed (cf., for example, Patent Literature 4 (JP 2010-169586 A)).

SUMMARY

For example, a disk-shaped torque sensor comprises a first structure, a second structure, and a third structure between the first structure and the second structure, and is equipped with a strain body serving as a strain sensor, and a strain gauge, between the first structure and the second structure.

When the first structure is fixed to, for example, a base of a robot arm and the second structure is fixedly used on, for example, an arm of the robot arm, a transfer weight of the robot arm, a distance to the load, a bending moment accompanying an operating acceleration, and a load of the reaction force other than the torque are applied to the torque sensor.

When a torque sensor is attached to a robot arm, a center of axis of the torque sensor needs to be aligned with a center of axis of, for example, an arm or a base of the robot arm.

When a shape of a first structure of the torque sensor is assumed to be, for example, a column and a shape of the base of the robot arm is assumed to be a cylinder, the centers of axes are made to coincide with each other by fitting the column into the cylinder. In this case, however, the axes are coincident with each other, but it is unclear which parts of the column and the cylinder are exactly in contact with each other. That is, the column and the cylinder are not perfect circles, and each of the outer diameter of the column and the inner diameter of the cylinder is irregular. For this reason, the outer surface of the column and the inner surface of the cylinder are expected to be in contact with each other at several points at random.

Thus, in a case where the first structure of the torque sensor, and the base and the arm of the robot arm are brought into contact with each other at several points at random, when the bending moment other than torque, and the translational force are applied to the torque sensor, the first structure and the second structure are asymmetrically deformed, and the strain sensor is deformed asymmetrically due to its deformation, and an output is emitted from the sensor.

When a bending moment and a load (X-axis direction Fx, Y-axis direction Fy, and Z-axis direction Fz), i.e., a translational force other than the torque is applied to the torque sensor, distortion corresponding to displacement occurs in the plurality of strain sensors provided in the torque sensor. In general, a bridge circuit of a torque sensor is configured to output a voltage against a force in a torque direction and not to output a voltage against a force in a direction other than the torque. However, if the first structure or the second structure is deformed asymmetrically, an asymmetric strain is generated at a plurality of strain sensors provided in the torque sensor. Besides this, a sensor output is generated and the detection accuracy of the torque sensor is degraded due to the axial interference.

Embodiments described herein aim to provide a torque sensor attachment structure capable of improving a detection accuracy of a torque sensor.

According to one embodiment, a torque sensor attachment structure comprises: a torque sensor comprising a first structure, a second structure, a third structure provided between the first structure and the second structure, and at least two sensor units provided between the first structure and the second structure; a plurality of first contact portions having a structure integrated with the first structure, provided inside an outer peripheral portion of the first structure, with first distal ends being provided near the outer peripheral portion, the first distal ends being brought into contact with a first attachment portion; and a plurality of second contact portions having a structure integrated with the second structure, provided at parts of an inner peripheral portion of the second structure, with second distal ends being provided near the inner peripheral portion, the second distal ends being brought into contact with a second attachment portion.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.

DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a robot arm to which a first embodiment is applied.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a torque sensor applied to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of an attachment structure of a torque sensor according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion represented by arrow A of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an attachment structure of a torque sensor according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an attachment structure of a torque sensor according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion represented by arrow B of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of an attachment structure of a torque sensor according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a modified example of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an example of an attachment structure of a torque sensor according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a modified example of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing an attachment structure of a torque sensor according to a sixth embodiment, illustrating one of surfaces of the torque sensor.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a portion represented by XVII of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating the other surface of the torque sensor shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a portion represented by XIX of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20A is a plan view illustrating a manufacturing method of a contact portion shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 20B is a side view illustrating the manufacturing method of the contact portion shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 21 is a partially cutaway side view showing an attachment structure of a torque sensor according to a sixth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

First, a robot arm 30 and a torque sensor 40 to which the embodiments are applied will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

FIG. 1 shows an example of an articulated robot, i.e., the robot arm 30. The robot arm 30 comprises, for example, a base 31, a first arm 32, a second arm 33, a third arm 34, a fourth arm 35, a first drive unit 36 serving as a drive source, a second drive unit 37, a third drive unit 38, and a fourth drive unit 39. However, the structure of the robot arm 30 is not limited thereto, but can be modified.

The first arm 32 is provided to be rotatable relative to the base 31 by the first drive unit 36 provided in a first joint J1. The second arm 33 is provided to be rotatable relative to the first arm 32 by the second drive unit 37 provided in a second joint J2. The third arm 34 is provided to be rotatable relative to the second arm 33 by the third drive unit 38 provided in a third joint J3. The fourth arm 35 is provided to be rotatable relative to the third arm 34 by the fourth drive unit 39 provided in a fourth joint J4. A hand and various tools (not shown) are mounted on the fourth arm 35.

Each of the first drive unit 36 to the fourth drive unit 39 comprises, for example, a motor, a speed reducer, and a torque sensor, which will be described later.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a disk-shaped torque sensor 40 applied to the present embodiment. The torque sensor 40 comprises a first structure 41, a second structure 42, a plurality of third structures 43, a first strain sensor 44 and a second strain sensor 45 serving as sensor units, and the like.

The first structure 41 and the second structure 42 are formed in an annular shape, and a diameter of the second structure 42 is smaller than a diameter of the first structure 41. The second structure 42 is arranged concentrically with the first structure 41, and the first structure 41 and the second structure 42 are connected by the third structures 43 serving as a plurality of beams arranged radially. The plurality of third structures 43 transmit torque between the first structure 41 and the second structure 42. The second structure 42 has a hollow portion 42 a and, for example, a line (not shown) is passed through the hollow portion 42 a.

The first structure 41, the second structure 42, and the plurality of 3 structures 43 are formed of a metal, for example, stainless steel. However, a material other than metal can be used if a mechanically sufficient strength can be obtained for the applied torque. The first structure 41, the second structure 42, and the plurality of 3 structures 43 have, for example, the same thickness. The mechanical strength of the torque sensor 40 is set based on the thickness, width, and length of the third structures 43.

The first strain sensor 44 and the second strain sensor 45 are provided between the first structure 41 and the second structure 42. More specifically, one end of the strain body 44 a constituting the first strain sensor 44 and one end of the strain body 45 a constituting the second strain sensor 45 are joined to the first structure 41, and the other ends of the strain bodies 44 a and 45 a are joined to the second structure 42. The thickness of the strain bodies 44 a and 45 a is smaller than the thickness of the first structure 41, the second structure 42, and the plurality of third structures 43.

A plurality of strain gauges (not shown) serving as sensor elements are provided on each of the surfaces of the strain bodies 44 a and 45 a. A first bridge circuit is composed of the sensor elements provided on the strain body 44 a, and a second bridge circuit is composed of the sensor elements provided on the strain body 45 a. That is, the torque sensor 40 comprises two bridge circuits.

In addition, the first strain sensor 44 and the second strain sensor 45 are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the center of the first structure 41 and the second structure 42 (the center of action of the torque). In other words, the first strain sensor 44 and the second strain sensor 45 are arranged on the diameter of the annular first structure 41 and second structure 42.

The first strain sensor 44 (strain body 44 a) is connected to a flexible substrate 46, and the second strain sensor 45 (strain body 45 a) is connected to a flexible substrate 47. The flexible substrates 46 and 47 are connected to a printed circuit board (not shown) covered with a cover 48. An operational amplifier for amplifying output voltages of two bridge circuits is arranged on the printed circuit board. Since the circuit configuration is not essential to the embodiment, descriptions thereof will be omitted.

First Embodiment

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show a first embodiment. The torque sensor 40 is provided in, for example, the first drive unit 36 of the robot arm 30. However, the torque sensor 40 can also be provided in, for example, the second drive unit 37 to the fourth drive unit 39 of the robot arm 30.

In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 is fixed to the first arm 32 by a plurality of bolts 51. That is, a plurality of bolts 51 are inserted into the flange 32 a of the first arm 32, and the bolts 51 are screwed onto the surface of the first structure 41. For this reason, a part of the back surface of the flange 32 a of the first arm 32 is fixed to the surface of the first structure 41.

The first drive unit 36 includes, for example, a motor 36 a and a speed reducer 36 b. The speed reducer 36 b comprises, for example, a casing 36 b-1, an output shaft 36 b-2, a bearing 36 b-3, and a plurality of gears (not shown). The output shaft 36 b-2 is connected to a shaft 36 a-1 of the motor 36 a via a plurality of gears (not shown), and is provided to be rotatable with respect to the casing 36 b-1 by the bearing 36 b-3. The motor 36 a is provided in the casing 36 b-1 of the speed reducer 36 b, and the casing 36 b-1 is fixed to, for example, the base 31.

The second structure 42 of the torque sensor 40 is connected to the output shaft 36 b-2 of the speed reducer 36 b by a plurality of bolts 52. That is, the back surface of the second structure 42 is fixed to the surface of the output shaft 36 b-2.

In contrast, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, for example, a vertical inner side surface (hereinafter simply referred to as a side surface) 32 b is provided on a back surface, around the back surface of the flange 32 a. The side surface 32 b and the back surface form, for example, a step part. The side surface 32 b is a surface that is parallel to an outer peripheral surface of the torque sensor 40, i.e., an outer peripheral surface of the first structure 41, and is separated from an outer peripheral surface of the first structure 41 by a predetermined distance L1.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a step part 41 a is provided at an outer peripheral part of the first structure 41, and a side surface 41 b of the step part 41 a is spaced apart from the side surface 32 b of the flange 32 a by the distance L1. The side surface 41 b of the step part 41 a is also hereinafter referred to as the side surface 41 b of the first structure 41.

As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, a plurality of pins 61 serving as first contact portions are provided on an outer peripheral portion of the first structure 41. The number of pins 61 is even, for example, four. The number of pins 61 is larger than the number of the strain bodies 44 a and 45 a or equal to the number of the strain bodies 44 a and 45 a.

Four pins 61 are arranged at equal intervals on the outer periphery of the first structure 41. More specifically, the pins 61 are provided on a straight line connecting the first strain sensor 44 and the second strain sensor 45 and on a straight line orthogonal to this straight line. However, the number and arrangement of pins 61 are not limited thereto. For example, the first strain sensor 44 and the second strain sensor 45 may be arranged at positions displaced by 45 degrees relative to four pins 61 shifted by 90 degrees.

Alternatively, for example, when four strain sensors are used, the four strain sensors may be arranged at the same angle as the four pins 61 or may be arranged at positions shifted from the four pins 61 by 45 degrees.

The pin 61 is formed of, for example, a cylindrical metal and, as shown in FIG. 5, one end of the pin 61 is inserted into the bottom part 41 c of the step part 41 a. More specifically, the pin 61 is press-fitted in an axial direction orthogonal to the surface of the torque sensor 40, and the side surface of the pin 61 is in contact with the side surface 41 b of the step part 41 a. The pin 61 is not limited to metal, and can be formed of resin.

The diameter of the pin 61 is set to be equal to the distance L1 between the side surface 32 b of the flange 32 a and the side surface 41 b of the step part 41 a. For this reason, the side surfaces of four pins 61 are in line contact with the side surface 32 b of the flange 32 a, and the side surfaces of four pins 61 are in line contact with the side surface of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40. In other words, the side surface 41 b of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 is not in contact with the flange 32 a of the first arm 32 except for the portions of four pins 61.

In addition, a plurality of pins 62 are provided as second contact portions, on the back surface of the second structure 42 of the torque sensor 40. The number of pins 62 is even, for example, four, similarly to the pins 61. As shown in FIG. 3, four pins 62 are arranged at regular intervals on the second structure 42. The arrangement of the pins 62 is similar to that of the pins 61. More specifically, the pins 62 are provided on a straight line connecting the first strain sensor 44 and the second strain sensor 45 and on a straight line orthogonal to the straight line. However, the number and arrangement of the pins 62 are not limited thereto.

Similarly to the pin 61, the pin 62 is formed of, for example, a cylindrical metal and, as shown in FIG. 5, one end of the pin 62 is inserted (press-fitted) into the back surface of the second structure 42. The pin 62 can also be formed of a resin material, similarly the pin 61.

The diameter of the pin 62 is equal to that of the pin 61, and the side surface of the pin 62 is in line contact with the side surface of the output shaft 36 b-2 of the speed reducer 36 b. For this reason, the side surface of the output shaft 36 b-2 is connected to the second structure 42 of the torque sensor 40 via four pins 62. In other words, the second structure 42 of the torque sensor 40 is not in contact with the side surface of the output shaft 36 b-2, except for the parts of four pins 62.

In the above-described structure, when the speed reducer 36 b is driven by the motor 36 a, a force in the torque (Mz) direction is applied to the torque sensor 40. The first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 is displaced in the torque (Mz) direction relative to the second structure 42. In the torque sensor 40, when the first structure 41 is displaced relative to the second structure 42, an electric signal is output from the first strain sensor 44 and the second strain sensor 45, and the torque can be detected.

In contrast, the side surface of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 is in contact with the flange 32 a of the first arm 32 at the parts of the four pins 61 and is not in contact with the flange 32 a of the first arm 32 at parts other than the pins 61. Furthermore, the second structure 42 of the torque sensor 40 is in contact with the side surface of the output shaft 36 b-2 at the parts of the four pins 62 and is not in contact with the side surface of the output shaft 36 b-2 at parts other than the pins 62. Therefore, when a bending moment or a translational force in directions (Mx, My) other than the torque is generated on the first arm 32 by the operations of the first arm 32 to the fourth arm 35, the bending moment or the translational force acts on the torque sensor 40 via the pins 61 and the pins 62. However, the first structure 41 is in contact with the flange 32 a of the first arm 32 by four pins 61, and the second structure 42 is in contact with the output shaft 36 b-2 by four pins 62. For this reason, the first structure 41 can be deformed with good balance with respect to the second structure 42, and the strain body 44 a constituting the first strain sensor 44 and the strain body 45 a forming the second strain sensor 45 can be deformed symmetrically. Therefore, in the first strain sensor 44 and the second strain sensor 45, the output of the signals to the bending moment and the translational force in the direction (Mx, My) other than the torque is suppressed.

Advantages of First Embodiment

According to the first embodiment, the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 is in line contact with, for example, the side surface 32 b of the first arm 32 serving as the first attachment portion via four pins 61 serving as the first contact portions, and the second structure 42 is in line contact with the side surface of the output shaft 36 b-2 of the speed reducer 36 b provided on the base 31 serving as the second attachment portion via four pins 62 serving as the second contact portions. For this reason, when the bending moment and the translational force are generated in the directions (Mx, My) other than the torque on the first arm 32, the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 is deformed with good balance with respect to the second structure 42, and the strain body 44 a of the first strain sensor 44 and the strain body 45 a of the second strain sensor 45 are deformed symmetrically. For this reason, output of the signals to the bending moment and the translational force in the directions (Mx, My) other than the torque can be suppressed. Therefore, the interference of the other axis can be reduced and the detection accuracy of the torque can be improved.

For example, when a configuration without a plurality of pins 61 is assumed, the side surface of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 and the side surface of the first arm 32 are not shaped in a perfect circle, but are slightly deformed as viewed microscopically. For this reason, the side surface of the first structure 41 and the side surface of the first arm 32 are in contact with each other at a plurality of parts. If the side surface of the first structure 41 and the side surface of the first arm 32 are fully and uniformly in contact with each other, the strain body 44 a constituting the first strain sensor 44 and the strain body 45 a constituting the second strain sensor 45 generate strain symmetrical to the bending moment and the translational force other than the torque applied to the torque sensor 40. However, when the side surface of the first structure 41 and the side surface of the first arm 32 are not on, for example, a straight line connecting the first strain sensor 44 and the second strain sensor 45 or a straight line perpendicular to this straight line, but are in contact at three points of non-regular intervals, the deformation of the strain body 44 a and the strain body 45 a becomes asymmetrical and a signal is generated.

However, when the side surface of the first structure 41 and the side surface of the first arm 32 are in contact with each other via four pins 61, and when the strain body 44 a and the strain body 45 a are arranged to correspond to two pins 61 arranged on a diameter, similarly to the first embodiment, the strain body 44 a and the strain body 45 a generate strain symmetrical to the bending moment and the translational force other than the torque applied to the torque sensor 40. For this reason, the torque sensor 40 can suppress the generation of signals for the bending moment and translational force other than the torque. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the torque can be improved.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment.

In the above-described first embodiment, a plurality of pins 61 are provided in the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40, and a plurality of pins 62 are provided in the second structure 42 of the torque sensor 40. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

In the second embodiment, one ends of the plurality of pins 61 are inserted (press-fitted) into the flange 32 a of the first arm 32, and one ends of the plurality of pins 62 are inserted (press-fitted) into, for example, the output shaft 36 b-2 of the speed reducer 36 b.

The side surfaces of the pins 61 are in contact with the side surface of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 and the side surface 32 b of the flange 32 a. The side surface of the pin 62 is in contact with the side surface 42 c of the step part 42 b provided on the second structure 42 of the torque sensor 40, and the side surface 36 b-5 constituting the step part 36 b-4 of the output shaft 36 b-2.

Advantages of Second Embodiment

According to the second embodiment, the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 is in contact with, for example, the side surface 32 b of the first arm 32 serving as the first attachment portion via a plurality of pins 61 serving as the first contact portions, and the second structure 42 is in contact with the side surface 36 b-5 of the output shaft 36 b-2 of the speed reducer 36 b provided on the base 31 serving as the second attachment portion via a plurality of pins 62 serving as the second contact portions. Therefore, in the second embodiment, too, the interference of the other axis can be reduced and the detection accuracy of the torque can be improved, similarly to the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show a third embodiment.

In the first and second embodiments, the plurality of pins 61 are provided in the direction orthogonal to the surface of the torque sensor 40. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, in the third embodiment, a plurality of pins 61 are press-fitted into the side surface of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40. In other words, one ends of the pins 61 are press-fitted into the side surface of the first structure 41 along the diameter direction of the torque sensor 40.

The other ends of the pins 61 are processed into a spherical shape and are in point contact with the side surface 32 b of the flange 32 a of the first arm 32.

A plurality of pins 61 are provided on the side surface of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

As represented by a broken line in FIG. 8, for example, one ends of the plurality of pins 61 may be press-fitted into the side surface 32 b of the flange 32 a, and the other ends in the spherical shape may be brought into point contact with the side surface of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40.

Advantages of Third Embodiment

According to the third embodiment, a plurality of pins 61 are provided on the side surface of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40, and the other ends of the spherical shape of the pins 61 are in point contact with the side surface 32 b of the flange 32 a. For this reason, since the contact area between the pin 61 and the side surface 32 b of the flange 32 a is small, as compared with the first and second embodiments, the output of the signal for the bending moment and the translational force in the directions (Mx, My) other than the torque can be suppressed. Therefore, the interference of the other axis can be reduced and the detection accuracy of the torque can be improved.

Modified Example

FIG. 9 shows a modified example of FIG. 8. Each of the plurality of pins 61 is allowed to come into and out of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40, and is urged in a direction of protruding from the side surface of the first structure 41 by a coil spring 63 serving as an elastic member provided in the first structure 41.

The structure shown in FIG. 9 can also be applied to the pin 61 represented by the broken line in FIG. 8.

According to the modified example, the pin 61 is allowed to come into and out of the side surface of the first structure 41, and is urged by the coil spring 63 in the direction of protruding from the side surface of the first structure 41. For this reason, when the bending moment or the translational force in the directions (Mx, My) other than the torque is generated in the first arm 32, transmission of the bending moment and the translational force to the torque sensor 40 can be relieved by the pin 61. Therefore, output of the signals to the bending moment and the translational force in the direction (Mx, My) other than the torque can be further suppressed.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 10 shows a fourth embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment, for example, a plurality of protrusions 32 c are integrally provided on an inner side surface of the first arm 32. Distal ends of the protrusions 32 c are formed in a spherical shape. The distal ends of the protrusions 32 c are made to be in point contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40.

The number of the plurality of protrusions 32 c is an even number, for example, four. Four protrusions 32 c are arranged at regular intervals. More specifically, the protrusions are arranged on two straight lines inclined at, for example, 45 degrees to the line connecting the first strain sensor 44 and the second strain sensor 45. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The protrusions may be arranged on a straight line connecting the first strain sensor 44 and the second strain sensor 45 and on a straight line orthogonal to this straight line.

The plurality of protrusions 32 c are provided on the inner side surface of the first arm 32. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. As represented by a broken line in FIG. 10, for example, a plurality of protrusions 41 d may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40, and distal ends of these protrusions 41 d may be brought into point contact with the inner side surface of the first arm 32.

In addition, the protrusions 32 c and 41 d may be formed in a semi-cylindrical shape, and the side surfaces of the semi-cylindrical protrusions 32 c and 41 d may be brought into line contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first structure 41 or the inner side surface of the first arm 32.

Advantages of Fourth Embodiment

According to the fourth embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 32 c are provided on the inner side surface of the first arm 32, the protrusions 32 c are brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 or the plurality of protrusions 41 d are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first structure 41, and the protrusions 41 d are brought into contact with the inner side surface of the first arm 32. Therefore, the interference of the other axis can be reduced and the detection accuracy of the torque can be improved, similarly to the first to third embodiments.

Moreover, the plurality of protrusions 32 c are formed on the inner side surface of the first arm 32, and a plurality of protrusions 41 d are integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first structure 41. For this reason, the number of components can be reduced and the steps of assembly can be reduced.

Modified Example

FIG. 11 shows a modified example of FIG. 10. In FIG. 11, for example, a plurality of protrusions 32 d are integrally provided on the inner side surface of the first arm 32. The protrusions 32 d are formed in an arcuate shape along the outer peripheral surface of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40, and the side surfaces of the protrusions 32 d are in surface contact with parts on the outer peripheral surface of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40.

The number of the plurality of protrusions 32 d is an even number, for example, four. For example, four protrusions 32 d are arranged on a straight line connecting the first strain sensor 44 and the second strain sensor 45 (i.e., a position corresponding to the first strain sensor 44 and the second strain sensor 45) and on a straight line orthogonal to this straight line. However, the protrusions can also be arranged at the same position as that shown in FIG. 10.

The plurality of protrusions 32 d are provided on the inner side surface of the first arm 32. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of protrusions 41 e may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40, and the protrusions 41 e may be brought into surface contact with the inner side surface of the first arm 32.

According to the modified example, too, the plurality of protrusions 32 d in an arcuate shape provided on parts of the inner side surface of the first arm 32 are brought into surface contact with a part of the outer peripheral surface of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40, and the plurality of protrusions 41 e in an arcuate shape provided on parts of the outer peripheral surface of the first structure 41 are brought into surface contact with a part of the inner side surface of the first arm 32. For this reason, output of the signals to the bending moment and the translational force in the directions (Mx, My) other than the torque of the torque sensor 40 can be prevented. Therefore, the interference of the other axis can be reduced and the detection accuracy of the torque can be improved.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 12 shows a fifth embodiment.

The example of providing the plurality of protrusions on the outer peripheral surface of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 has been described in the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, the fifth embodiment is a modification of the fourth embodiment, and the outer shape of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 is, for example, a polygon having four or more corners, for example, an octagon. Vertexes 41 f of the polygon are brought into, for example, line contact with, for example, the inner side surface of the first arm 32.

Modified Example

The fifth embodiment is not limited to the case where the outer shape of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 is a polygon.

As shown in FIG. 13, for example, the shape of the inner side surface of the first arm 32 can be formed as a polygon, and the outer peripheral surface of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 having a disk-shaped outer shape can also be in, for example, line contact with each of the sides 32 e of the polygon.

Advantages of Fifth Embodiment

According to the fifth embodiment, the outer shape of the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 is formed as a polygon, the inner side surface of the first arm 32 is brought into contact with each of the vertexes 41 f of the polygon, the inner side surface of the first arm 32 is formed as a polygon, and the first structure 41 of the disk-shaped torque sensor 40 is brought into contact with each of the sides 32 e of the polygon. Therefore, the interference of the other axis can be reduced and the detection accuracy of the torque can be improved, similarly to the first to fourth embodiments.

Modified Example

FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 show a modified example of the fifth embodiment, illustrating a plurality of contact portions 71 between the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 and the first arm 32, and a plurality of strain sensors 72.

The number of contact portions between the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 and the first arm 32 is not limited to an even number, but may be an odd number.

The number of strain sensors is not limited to an even number but may be an odd number.

FIG. 14 shows a case where the number of contact portions between the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 and the first arm 32 is an even number, for example, four, and the number of the strain sensors is an odd number, for example, three.

FIG. 15 shows a case where the number of contact portions between the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 and the first arm 32 is an odd number, for example, five, and the number of the strain sensors is an odd number, for example, five.

The plurality of strain sensors 72 are arranged at regular intervals, and a plurality of contact portions 71 are also arranged at regular intervals.

As shown in FIG. 14, one sensor portion 72 is arranged at a position corresponding to the contact portion 71. Two or more portions where the sensor portion 72 is arranged at a position corresponding to the contact portion 72 may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, one or more portions where the sensor portion 72 is arranged at a position corresponding to a middle part between two adjacent contact portions 71 may be provided.

Furthermore, one or more portions where the contact portion 71 is arranged at a position corresponding to the middle part of two adjacent sensor portions 72 may be provided.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 16 to FIG. 21 show an attachment structure of a torque sensor according to a sixth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, a plurality of first contact portions 41 g shaped in a protrusion are spaced apart at predetermined intervals, around the first structure 41, on one of the surfaces (top surface) of the torque sensor 40. The number of the first contact portions 41 g is, for example, four. The first contact portions 41 g are separated by every 90 degrees. In FIG. 16, two first contact portions 41 g are arranged to correspond to positions where the first strain sensor 44 and the second strain sensor 45 (not shown) are arranged. However, the invention is not limited thereto.

The plurality of first contact portions 41 g are formed integrally with the first structure 41. The first contact portions 41 g are provided inside the outer peripheral surface (first side surface) 41 h of the first structure 41. Distal ends (first distal ends) 41 g-1 of the first contact portions 41 g are arranged near a first side surface 41 h.

More specifically, a second side surface 41 i having a smaller diameter D2 than a diameter D1 of the first side surface 41 h is formed on the first side surface 41 h of the first structure 41, and the plurality of first contact portions 41 g are formed on the second side surface 41 i. A difference in diameter between the first side surface 41 h and the second side surface 41 i is a distance L11. The second side surface 41 i is located at an inner position than the first side surface 41 h by the distance L11.

The first contact portions 41 g have a width equal to a width W1 of the second side surface 41 i, and the first distal ends 41 g-1 of the first contact portions 41 g also have a width equal to the width W1 of the second side surface 41 i. That is, the first distal ends 41 g-1 of the first contact portions 41 g are provided parallel to an axis (not shown) passing at the center of the first structure 41. For this reason, the first distal ends 41 g-1 have a linear (or planar) shape. Positions of the first distal ends 41 g-1 are made coincident with the first side surface 41 h of the first structure 41. However, the positions of the first distal ends 41 g-1 may be inner than the first side surface 41 h.

As shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, a plurality of second contact portions 42 g shaped in a protrusion are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the second structure 42, on the other surface (back surface) of the torque sensor 40. The number of the second contact portions 42 g is, for example, four. The second contact portions 42 g are separated by every 90 degrees. In FIG. 18, two second contact portions 42 g are arranged to correspond to positions where the first strain sensor 44 and the second strain sensor 45 (not shown) are arranged. However, the invention is not limited thereto.

The plurality of second contact portions 42 g are formed integrally with the second structure 42. The second contact portions 42 g are provided inside the inner peripheral surface (third side surface) 42 h of the second structure 42. Distal ends (second distal ends) 42 g-1 of the second contact portions 42 g are arranged near a third side surface 42 h.

More specifically, a fourth side surface 42 i having a larger diameter D4 than a diameter D3 of the third side surface 42 h is formed on the third side surface 42 h of the second structure 42, and the plurality of second contact portions 42 g are formed on the fourth side surface 42 i. A difference in diameter between the third side surface 42 h and the fourth side surface 42 i is a distance L12. The fourth side surface 42 i is located at an inner position than the third side surface 42 h by the distance L12.

The second contact portions 42 g have a width equal to a width W2 of the fourth side surface 42 i, and the second distal ends 42 g-1 of the second contact portions 42 g also have a width equal to the width W2 of the side surface 42 i. That is, the second distal ends 42 g-1 of the second contact portions 42 g are provided parallel to an axis (not shown) passing at the center of the second structure 42. For this reason, the second distal ends 42 g-1 have a linear (or planar) shape. The second distal ends 42 g-1 are arranged near the third side surface 42 h of the second structure 42. However, the positions of the second distal ends 42 g-1 may be coincident with the third side surface 42 h.

The second contact portions 42 g of the second structure 42 are provided at the positions corresponding to the first contact portions 41 g of the first structure 41. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The second contact portions 42 g may be provided at positions different from the positions where the first contact portions 41 g are provided.

Incidentally, each of the first contact portions 41 g and the second contact portions 42 g has a distal end in a linear (or planar) shape. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The first contact portions 41 g may be, for example, protrusions having distal ends in a dot shape as represented inside a broken line of FIG. 17. The second contact portions 42 g may also be protrusions having distal ends in a dot shape.

In addition, each of the number of the first contact portions 41 g and the number of the second contact portions 42 g is four. However, the number is not limited to four. Furthermore, the number of the first contact portions 41 g and the number of the second contact portions 42 g may be different from each other.

FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B show a manufacturing method of the first contact portions 41 g provided at the first structure 41.

To form the outer shape of the first structure 41 as represented by arrow A of FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B, first, the outer peripheral surface (first side surface) 41 h of the first structure 41 is cut by, for example, a lathe. The first side surface 41 h also includes portions where the first contact portions 41 g are formed.

Next, the first side surface 41 h is partially cut by, for example, a milling machine as represented by arrow B of FIG. 20B, and the second side surface 41 i and the first contact portions 41 g are formed. More specifically, the first contact portions 41 g are formed as a resultant structure after partially cutting the first side surface 41 h by the milling machine and forming the second side surface 41 i. For this reason, the first distal ends 41 g-1 of the first contact portions 41 g are formed as processing marks of being cut by a lathe and can be concentrically formed substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the first structure 41. Therefore, the rotation axis of the first structure 41 and the centers of the plurality of first contact portions 41 g (i.e., the centers of the first distal ends 41 g-1) can be made coincident with each other.

The second structure 42 and the second contact portions 42 g can be formed in the same manufacturing method as the first structure 41 and the first contact portions 41 g. For this reason, the second distal ends 42 g-1 of the second contact portions 42 g are formed as processing marks of being cut by a lathe, and can be concentrically formed substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the second structure 42. Therefore, the rotation axis of the second structure 42 and the centers of the plurality of second contact portions 42 g (i.e., the centers of the second distal ends 42 g-1) can be made coincident with each other.

FIG. 21 shows a case of attaching a torque sensor 40 of the sixth embodiment to, for example, the first drive unit 36 of the robot arm 30.

The first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 is fixed to the flange 32 a of the first arm 32, and a plurality of the first contact portions 41 g of the first structure 41 are in contact with a side surface 32 b of the flange 32 a. More specifically, the first distal ends 41 g-1 of the plurality of first contact portions 41 g are in line or surface contact with the side surface 32 b of the flange 32 a.

In contrast, the second structure 42 of the torque sensor 20 is fixed to the output shaft 36 b-2 of the speed reducer 36 b, and each of a plurality of the second contact portions 42 g is in contact with a side surface of the output shaft 36 b-2. More specifically, each of the plurality of second contact portions 42 g is in line or surface contact with the side surface of the output shaft 36 b-2.

Advantages of Sixth Embodiment

According to the sixth embodiment, the plurality of first contact portions 41 g provided at the first structure 41 have the structure integrated with the first structure 41, and the plurality of second contact portions 42 g provided at the second structure 42 have the structure integrated with the second structure 42. For this reason, the rotation axis of the first structure 41 and the centers of the plurality of first contact portions 41 g can be made coincident with each other, and the rotation axis of the second structure 42 and the centers of the plurality of second contact portions 42 g can be made coincident with each other. Therefore, the center of axis of the first arm 32 can be exactly attached to the center of rotation of the first structure 41, and the center of axis of the output shaft 36 b-2 of the speed reducer 36 b can be exactly attached to the center of rotation of the second structure 42. For this reason, when the bending moment and the translational force are generated in the directions (Mx, My) other than the torque on the first arm 32, the first structure 41 of the torque sensor 40 is deformed with good balance with respect to the second structure 42, and the strain body 44 a of the first strain sensor 44 and the strain body 45 a of the second strain sensor 45 are deformed symmetrically. Therefore, output of the signals to the bending moment and the translational force in the directions (Mx, My) other than the torque can be suppressed. Therefore, the interference of the other axis can be reduced and the detection accuracy of the torque can be improved.

In addition, the plurality of first contact portions 41 g have the structure integrated with the first structure 41, and the plurality of second contact portions 42 g have the structure integrated with the second structure 42. For this reason, it is unnecessary to assemble the plurality of first contact portions 41 g for the first structure 41 and to assemble the second contact portions 42 g for the second structure 42. Moreover, the first arm 32 and the output shaft 36 b-2 of the speed reducer 36 b do not require special processing. The number of steps of assembly can be therefore reduced.

Furthermore, the plurality of first contact portions 41 g are formed as a structure after performing the cutting for forming the first side surface 41 h from the first structure 41, and the plurality of second contact portions 42 g are formed as a structure after performing the cutting for forming the third side surface 42 h from the second structure 42. For this reason, the rotation axis of the first structure 41 and the centers of the plurality of first contact portions 41 g can easily be made coincident with each other, and the rotation axis of the second structure 42 and the centers of the plurality of second contact portions 42 g can easily be made coincident with each other.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A torque sensor attachment structure comprising: a torque sensor comprising a first structure, a second structure, a third structure provided between the first structure and the second structure, and at least two sensor units provided between the first structure and the second structure; a plurality of first contact portions having a structure integrated with the first structure, provided inside an outer peripheral portion of the first structure, with first distal ends being provided near the outer peripheral portion, the first distal ends being brought into contact with a first attachment portion; and a plurality of second contact portions having a structure integrated with the second structure, provided at parts of an inner peripheral portion of the second structure, with second distal ends being provided near the inner peripheral portion, the second distal ends being brought into contact with a second attachment portion.
 2. The torque sensor attachment structure of claim 1, wherein the plurality of second contact portions are provided on a side opposite to the plurality of first contact portions.
 3. The torque sensor attachment structure of claim 1, wherein the first structure has a second side surface having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the first side surface serving as the outer peripheral portion, and the plurality of first contact portions are provided on the second side surface.
 4. The torque sensor attachment structure of claim 3, wherein the first distal ends of the plurality of first contact portions are made coincident with the outer peripheral portion of the first structure.
 5. The torque sensor attachment structure of claim 1, wherein the second structure has a fourth side surface having a diameter larger than a diameter of the third side surface serving as the inner peripheral portion, and the plurality of second contact portions are provided on the fourth side surface.
 6. The torque sensor attachment structure of claim 5, wherein the second distal ends of the plurality of second contact portions are located inside the inner peripheral portion of the second structure.
 7. The torque sensor attachment structure of claim 4, wherein the first contact portions are arranged parallel to an axis of rotation of the first structure.
 8. The torque sensor attachment structure of claim 6, wherein the second contact portions are arranged parallel to an axis of rotation of the second structure.
 9. The torque sensor attachment structure of claim 7, wherein the first distal ends of the plurality of first contact portions are in line contact with the first attachment portion.
 10. The torque sensor attachment structure of claim 8, wherein the second distal ends of the plurality of second contact portions are in line contact with the second attachment portion.
 11. The torque sensor attachment structure of claim 9, wherein the first distal ends are processing marks of being concentrically cut relative to the axis of rotation of the first structure.
 12. The torque sensor attachment structure of claim 10, wherein the second distal ends are processing marks of being concentrically cut relative to the axis of rotation of the second structure.
 13. A torque sensor attachment structure comprising: a torque sensor comprising a first structure, a second structure, a third structure provided between the first structure and the second structure, and at least two sensor units provided between the first structure and the second structure; at least three first contact portions having a structure integrated with the first structure, provided at regular intervals, inside an outer peripheral portion of the first structure, with first distal ends being provided near the outer peripheral portion, the first distal ends being brought into line contact with at least three parts of a first attachment portion; and at least three second contact portions having a structure integrated with the second structure, provided at regular intervals, at parts of an inner peripheral portion of the second structure, with second distal ends being provided near the inner peripheral portion, the second distal ends being brought into line contact with at least three parts of a second attachment portion. 